'One moment, Sir Cedric,' Alleyn began 'Why did you and Miss Sorrin Orrincour plan a series of practical jokes on your grandfather?' It was not pleasant to watch the blood sink from Cedric's face The process left his eyelids and the pouches under his eyes mauvish His colourless lips pouted and then widened into an unlovely smile 'Well really!' he tittered 'That just shows you, doesn't it? So darling Sonia has confided in you' After a moment's hesitation he added 'As far as I'm concerned, dear Mr Alleyn, that's the end of darling Sonia'